GFNL ultimate guide: Recruits and departures from off-season and every club analysed
Round one of the Geelongleague season is here, and there are plenty of unknowns. Get the latest on every club, including all the ins and outs and full profiles on every recruit.
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With eight new coaches in the Geelong Football Netball League ranks, the 2025 season is difficult to predict.
Geelong great Steve Johnson and dual St Kilda best-and-fairest Seb Ross will lead Newtown & Chillwell and Colac, with both clubs eager to return to the finals.
A powerhouse in recent years, St Mary’s has lost plenty of quality talents while at the other end of the ladder, Grovedale and St Albans are hoping to improve their fortunes.
Then there is North Shore who has chosen to push on, but all eyes will be on the Seagulls in 2025.
See where every club sits ahead of 2025, and every signing and departure.
BELL PARK
Last year: 5th (elimination final)
Coach: James Saker
Captain: Lachie Patten
INS: Jett Bermingham (North Warrnambool), Oliver Hicks (Ainslie), Tom Montgomery (Wangaratta Magpies)
OUTS: Ben Worme (Blackburn), Will Tobin (Heathcote), Kaelan Bradtke (Corowa Rutherglen)
Key player: Lachie Patten. Finished equal third in the Mathieson Medal last season and the signing of Jett Bermingham should ease the burden and allow him to get off the chain more often.
Young gun: Kobe George. Has started the season with Geelong VFL as their 23rd man, but the Geelong Falcons graduate will be a handy addition when he isn’t playing with the Cats.
Coach says: “We are looking to improve on our fifth-place finish last year. We know that is going to be really difficult as the competition is extremely strong, but we think our young guys have developed again and we think we can be around the mark.” – James Saker
Addy says: Bell Park ultimately benefited from a fortunate draw last season and will face a greater challenge with a tougher run in 2025. However, they came within a kick of last year’s grand finalists in the elimination final, and will be right in contention for finals again.
PROFILES ON EVERY BELL PARK RECRUIT
Jett Bermingham (North Warrnambool)
The prolific 185 centimetre midfielder helped North Warrnmabool to a grand final last season as he finished joint-winner in the Hapmden league’s Maskell Medal — the second of his career. Bell Park had been after him for a few years and he will play a key on-ball role in 2025.
Oliver Hicks (Ainslie)
A ruck-forward, Hicks has a strong frame and loves the contested side of the game which will suit the Geelong competition. The Canberran will join the Dragons in February and is tipped to ease the load of ruckman Ollie Bridgewater in 2025.
Departures: Former AFL-listed Tiger Kaelan Bradtke is returning to Corowa Rutherglen, but he only played two games for Bell Park in 2024 with his Geelong VFL commitments. Ben Worme, who was named in the best in 10 of their 19 games last season, has signed with Blackburn after moving to Melbourne. Will Tobin (Heathcote) has returned to Bendigo after three seasons with the Dragons.
COLAC
Last year: 6th
Coach: Seb Ross and Jason Armistead (both new)
Captain: Jack Melican
INS: Seb Ross (St Kilda), Oskar Smartt (Essendon VFL/Keilor), Jack Skinner (Colac Imperials/Geelong Falcons), Micah Robb (Alvie), Jack Finn (Simpson)
OUTS: Bailey Scott (Colac Imperials), Ollie Butler (Modewarre, Rani Jamieson (Allansford)
Key player: Seb Ross. Colac adds 211-games of AFL experience to its midfield and coaching ranks – and he is still only 31. Look out.
Young gun: Micah Robb. The 2024 Colac and district league rising star was named as the Tigers’ best player in an exciting debut in round zero after an impressive first pre-season.
Coach says: “It’s really hard when you first come in and you don’t know what the expectation is or you think you’re going great in pre-season and then once it gets real, it gets real. I just get a feeling as well that apart from a couple of the sides right at the top, it’s going to be a little bit more even than what it has been in the last few years.” – Jason Armistead
Addy says: After missing the finals last year despite boasting a percentage above 140, expect Colac to make the five and contend for the premiership with an easier draw and a host of quality additions, headlined by Seb Ross.
PROFILES ON EVERY COLAC RECRUIT
Seb Ross (St Kilda)
Local footy signing don’t get much bigger than this. Ross signed as playing co-coach of Colac in October after being delisted from St Kilda, telling this masthead that the Tigers reminded him of his junior club in Horsham. The talented midfielder won two best and fairests and played 211 games across 13 seasons at the Saints and should dominate in the GFNL in 2025.
Oskar Smartt (Essendon VFL/Keilor)
Signing with Colac in December, Smartt is set to feature for the Tigers when he isn’t selected for Essendon VFL. The powerful half forward was on the mid-season draft radar after catching the eye for the Bombers and the Young Guns early last season. He is the nephew of Colac premiership player Kane and kicked 12 goals in 12 games for the Bombers in 2024.
Jack Skinner (Colac Imperials/Geelong Falcons)
Skinner has moved to the biggest team in Colac after playing 12 games at the Geelong Falcons this year, where he impressed as a competitive lockdown defender. The 18-year-old is a good size at 188cm.
Micah Robb (Alvie)
Another recruit from the Colac league, Robb was named in the best in 13 of his 20 games for Alvie last season and slotted 20 majors.
Jack Finn (Simpson)
Having last played reserves for Colac in 2021, Finn is back at the Tigers after three seasons at Simpson.
Departures: Bailey Scott, who finished third in the 2023 Mathieson Medal, only played one game last year because of his Essendon VFL commitments but he has opted to take on a coaching role with Colac Imperials in a blow for the Tigers. Ollie Butler (Modewarre) and Rani Jamieson (Allansford) have found new homes after splitting their time between the seniors and reserves in 2024.
Coaching changes: Jason Armistead – Geelong Falcons’ first ever girls coach – joins Seb Ross as co-coach of the Tigers after Rowan McSparron called time last year.
GEELONG WEST
Last year: 7th
Coach: Greg Mellor
INS: Finley O’Keefe (Inverleigh), Zekiah Davey (Lara), Harper Costa (Geelong Amateur), Bailey Harvey (Lara), Noah Allen (Colac Imperials), Riley Allan (Wangaratta Rovers), Judd Schubert (Wangaratta Rovers), Rory Parnell (Albury), August Stelma (Gisborne), Jaymz Farrell (St Albans/returning), Charlie Hall (St Joseph’s), Zac Whitsed (Wodonga Raiders), Oliver Maddalena (Geelong Amateur)
OUTS: Tanner Lovell, Jamieson Ballantyne, Kade Lovell (all Portland), Emmanuel Ajang (South Adelaide SANFL), Tylar Watts (Leopold), Tex Mitchell (Ballarat Swans), Frazer Robb (Koroit), Jascon Collins (Geelong West GDNL)
Key player: Tanner Lewis. When he is not at Geelong VFL, Lewis will be relied upon up forward. Was named in the best in three of his seven games for the Giants last year.
Young gun: Zekiah Davey. The Geelong Falcons graduate has shown promising signs at senior level up forward for Lara and should get greater supply at the Giants.
Coach says: “With youth comes great excitement and energy and we want to harness this and play an exciting brand of football. Like every year we are looking to improve on the previous year. We have increased our depth and numbers and our experienced leaders will continue to set high standards both on and off the field.” - Greg Mellor
Addy says: Geelong West has stockpiled young talent over the off-season and 2025 shapes as a development year after the loss of four stars. But it a chance for the next Tanner Lovells and Emmanuel Ajangs to emerge.
PROFILES ON EVERY GEELONG WEST RECRUIT
Finley O’Keefe (Inverleigh)
The Giants junior returns to the club after five years at Inverleigh, helping them to a premiership in 2023 and proving himself as one of the best young talents in the Geelong & District league.
Zekiah Davey (Lara)
The ex-Geelong Falcons forward crosses to Geelong West after kicking 12 goals in 11 games last season for the Cats, including a three-goal haul against North Shore. Davey is a good size at 190cm and can take a grab.
Harper Costa (Geelong Amateur)
The son of former Geelong West captain Tony, Costa, the youngster earned 10 mentions in the best in 20 games for Geelong Amateur U18s last season.
Bailey Harvey (Lara)
Harvey signed with the Giants in November off the back of the most promising season of his career, named in the best in five matches.
Noah Allen (Colac Imperials)
Allen, 22, has shone in the Colac & District league for Birregurra and then Colac Imperials over the past four seasons. He was named in the best in eight of his 14 games last season for the Imperials off halfback and in previous seasons he was a consistent goalkicker.
Riley Allan (Wangaratta Rovers)
The inside midfielder won the Rovers’ reserves best and fairest last year in the Ovens and Murray league with 11 mentions in the best from his 20 matches. Allan is a hard-running inside midfielder.
Judd Schubert (Wangaratta Rovers)
The Murray Bushrangers graduate managed four senior games in the Ovens and Murray league last season, with the 191 centimetre forward’s contested marking his main strength.
Rory Parnell (Albury)
Like Schubert, the creative midfielder represented the Murray Bushrangers had some senior exposure last season in the Ovens and Murray.
August Stelma (Gisborne)
The defender has impressed in his first pre-season at the Giants after playing school footy with Braemar College and at U18s level with Gisborne in the Bendigo league last year
Jaymz Farrell (St Albans/returning)
Farrell is back at Geelong West after two seasons of senior football at St Albans, where he the wingman featured in 14 senior games.
Charlie Hall (St Joseph’s)
A running defender or wingman, Hall played four senior games and 33 reserves matches for the Joeys over the past two seasons.
Zac Whitsed (Wodonga Raiders)
A promising young forward who reprsented the Ovens and Murray U18s interleague side in 2023 and has played some senior footy over the past three seasons.
Oliver Maddalena (Geelong Amateur)
The classy forward dominated at junior level, finishing as the leading goalkicker in U18 division one last year with 41 majors in 15 games – including two six-goal hauls.
Departures: Mathieson Medal runner up Tanner Lovell and fellow Geelong VFL player Jamieson Ballantyne have returned to their local club Portland. Kade Lovell has also followed his brother to the Tigers. Another important Giant in Emmanuel Ajang will pursue an opportunity in the SANFL with South Adelaide after signing in December, while Tex Mitchell has joined the Ballarat Swans after five senior games in 2024. Ruck-forward Tylar Watts signed with Leopold in February. Frazer Robb has returned to Koroit, while Jacson Collins has shifted to the Giants GDNL side.
Coaching changes: Former Sydney player Wade Chapman was appointed as an assistant coach in November, having played 51 games for the Swans. He also has extensive coaching experience, leading Drysdale to back-to-back premierships in 2009-10.
GROVEDALE
Last year: 9th
Coach: Jake Spolding
INS: Nathan Kreuger (Collingwood), Ed Adams (Shepparton United), Leigh Ellis (Winchelsea), Tom Moloney (Winchelsea), Matthew Kreuger, Bailey Taylor (Horsham Saints), Liam Jardine (Kerang), Ben Davis (Stawell)
OUTS: Mitch Chafer (Grovedale), Tom Wisken (Western Australia), Blake Hodgson (St Albans), Harvey Murrant (Geelong West GDFNL)
Key player: Ryan Abbott. The former Geelong and St Kilda ruckman was named in the best in 10 of his 15 games for the Tigers and finished equal 10th in the league best and fairest.
Young gun: Brady Ferguson. Played a few games in the NTFL over the summer and is one the Tigers believe can take his game to the next level in 2025.
Coach says: “We think that we can hopefully compete with those teams in that middle bracket of the ladder. That’s our aim. This year probably more than any in the last five years, there is a lot of unknown about a lot of the teams.” – Jake Spolding
Addy says: Can Grovedale be the surprise packet of 2025 and move outside the bottom four? They will be full of confidence after winning four games in the run home in Jake Spolding’s first season at the helm, but injuries to spearhead Tom Gillett and recruit Ben Davis will hurt them.
PROFILES ON EVERY GROVEDALE RECRUIT
Nathan Kreuger (Collingwood)
After signing with Geelong VFL in December, Kreuger became a Tiger in early January thanks to a connection with his fiancee. The 196cm key forward will be a key player for the Cats so is unlikely to be available, but Grovedale said he will likely be involved in a coaching capacity. Kreuger played 15 senior games across an injury-riddled five seasons at Geelong and Collingwood.
Ed Adams (Shepparton United)
Adams impressed for Grovedale back in 2019 and the 24-year-old utility is back in 2025. He bagged 34 goals in 18 games in the GFNL and is currently training with Essendon VFL.
Leigh Ellis (Winchelsea)
After dominating in the GDFNL with 138 goals in 45 games for Winchelsea, the 29-year-old is back at Grovedale for the first time since 2018.
Tom Moloney (Winchelsea)
Moloney, 24, will make the jump from the Geelong & District league, where he booted 14 goals from 17 games playing primarily as a ruckman.
Matthew Kreuger
Nathan Kreuger’s older brother has joined him at the Tigers. signing in early March. The 27-year-old is a tough inside mdifielder who can also play at either end.
Bailey Taylor (Horsham Saints)
A 23-year-old midfielder-forward who played 16 senior games in the Wimmera league last season.
Liam Jardine (Kerang)
Jardine played in Kerang’s 2023 premiership in the Central Murray league and is a strong and versatile midfielder.
Ben Davis (Stawell)
The Grovedale junior returns to the Tigers after stints at Stawell Warriors, Stawell Swifts and St Albans. Davis kicked 15 goals in 19 goals and was named in the best on six occasions last season.
Departed: Gun goalkicker Mitch Chafer has headed to rivals St Joseph’s in a blow to their forward stocks. Tom Wisken has moved back home to Western Australia, Blake Hodgson signed with St Albans while Harvey Murrant will join Geelong West’s GDFNL side.
LARA
Last year: 10th
Coach: Brett Henderson (new)
INS: Majak Daw (Deer Park), Darby Henderson (Williamstown/Grovedale), Daly Andrews (Werribee Centrals), Majok Bol (St Albans – Essendon & District), Jai Grayling (Red Cliff/PINT), Lachie Grima, Stanley Brentnall (Uni Blues), Aidan Tulio (Wyndham), Ethan Mohr (Grovedale U18s)
OUTS: Devon Smith, Mitch Day, Dan Weigl (both Geelong Amateur), Bayley Cockerill (St Mary’s), Dylan Jose (Thomson), Ben O’Brien (North Geelong), Zekiah Davey, Bailey Harvey (Geelong West), Bailey Ettridge (University of Nevada)
Key player: Connor Cunningham. No player laid more tackles in the GFNL last year and he also finished in the top 10 for clearances and contested possessions. Will be crucial at the source without Bayley Cockerill.
Young gun: Dan Lowther. His athleticism as a key forward saw Geelong and Collingwood interview him in the lead-up to the draft, and he will provide a target for Lara when he isn’t at the Geelong Falcons as an over-age player.
Coach says: “Lara is a bit like a dormant volcano, it is ready to go, it’s just a matter of putting everything into place. (We) won three games this year, obviously probably the next step is to win four next year and see some improvement — hopefully more than that.” – Brett Henderson
Addy says: They have an experienced VFL and talent pathways coach to led them into the future, but it certainly won’t happen overnight after several big departures over the off-season. However, they could surprise a few in 2025 if former North Melbourne big man Majak Daw gets going.
PROFILES ON EVERY LARA RECRUIT
Majak Daw (Deer Park)
Lara secured the former North Melbourne and Melbourne big man in September. Daw, who played 54 games across 12 seasons at the top level, kicked 22 goals in six senior games for Deer Park last year and will bolster the Cats’ forward line.
Darby Henderson (Williamstown/Grovedale)
It came as little surprise that new coach Brett Henderson brought his son Darby across. The Bendigo Pioneers graduate has played 53 VFL games for Williamstown including nine appearances last year, also taking the field in one match for Grovedale.
Daly Andrews (Werribee Centrals)
Andrews has 53 games under his belt for Williamstown and Werribee and will add grunt and power to the Cats midfield. The Werribee listed midfielder played 11 games for Tigers last season and two for Werribee Centrals in the GDFNL.
Majok Bol (St Albans - Essendon & District)
Bol or ‘Shaggy’ as he is affectionately known has stood out with his leadership this pre-season, working at Werribee VFL as a multicultral development officer. On-field he is an exciting halfback who provides plenty of dash.
Jai Grayling (Red Cliff/PINT)
A key forward who will likely partner Daw in attack, Grayling dominated in the NTFL premier reserves competition, booting 41 goals in 14 games — including a bag of 11 in mid January. He split his time between Red Cliffs’ seniors and reserves last season, kicking 14 majors in nine senior games.
Lachie Grima
Grima has turned heads on the track this pre-season. The forward-midfielder was part of the Western Jets squad as a junior played for the Western Jets in the past.
Stanley Brentnall (Uni Blues)
The consistent midfielder played in a premiership for Lockington in the Heathcote & District league in 2023 and moved to Uni Blues last season, where he featured in 12 senior games.
Aidan Tulio (Wyndham)
A skilful and clean defender who has caught the eye off halfback this pre-seaosn.
Ethan Mohr (Grovedale U18s)
The utility played 18 games at U18 level for Grovedale last season and represented Barwon’s division two side at the V-Line Cup in 2022.
Departures: Mitch Day and Dan Weigl signed with Geelong Amateur, where the pair have both played before, in a significant blow to their key position stocks at both ends. Ball-magnet Bayley Cockerill, who ranked top three in the comp last year for disposals, contested possessions, inside 50s and clearances, was snapped up by St Mary’s, while former captain Dylan Jose joined Thomson. Key defender Ben O’Brien (North Geelong) and Zekiah Davey and Bailey Harvey (both Geelong West) have also departed. Bailey Ettridge will head to the states for the start of his college football journey after securing a four-year scholarship with the University of Nevada.
Coaching announcement: After losing ex-Bomber and Giant Devon Smith and Shayne Stone as co-coaches, the Cats secured Brett Henderson as coach in September. Henderson has 30 years of coaching experience and held various roles at the Bendigo Pioneers, Williamstown and Port Melbourne – the latter where he was head of development and then backline coach from 2023-24.
LEOPOLD
Last year: 3rd (premiers)
Coach: Luke Kelly (new)
Captain: Marcus Thompson
INS: Tylar Watts (Geelong West), Jay Dahlhaus (Sebastopol/Werribee), Lewis Gilbert (Lake Wendouree), Harry Hawker (Robe)
OUTS: Jye Cross, Tom Gordon (both retired), Ollie Tate (Torquay), Tevan Nofi (Anglesea), James Edmonds (Port Fairy), Jake Pitt (Albury), Mitch Howard, Riley Hayden, Nick Lane (all Portarlington), Bailey Van Heuvel (Lorne)
Key player: Marcus Thompson. Continues to lead from the front at the coalface, finishing equal third in the Mathieson Medal. But the only prize he will be after is a three-peat.
Young gun: Lachie McLean. After seven games for the Falcons last year, thee 187cm defender looks more than ready to step in across halfback for the Lions.
Coach says: “I think the beauty of seeing three different programs (Western Bulldogs, GWS and Port Adelaide) is I get to come in and really take stock of where they are at, because it is a really strong playing group, a really strong leadership and culture that Garry (Hocking) has put in place, so it clearly doesn’t need an overhaul or anything of that description.” – Luke Kelly
Addy says: A handful of their 2024 premiership side won’t be out there this season, but under the tutelage of an ex-AFL assistant coach they should be there late in September once again.
PROFILES ON EVERY LEOPOLD RECRUIT
Tylar Watts (Geelong West)
A host of GFNL clubs were keen to get Watts’ signatures and the Lions won the race for the ruck-forward in February. But Watts was added to Werribee’s VFL list over the off-season and has been picked early in the season.
Jay Dahlhaus (Sebastopol/Werribee)
Don’t expect to see much of the Werribee premiership goalsneak in the Lions this season. The crafty small forward booted 33 goals in the Tigers’ flag year in 2024 and he is the cousin of ex-Western Bulldogs and Geelong forward Luke Dahlhaus, who is a Leopold junior.
Lewis Gilbert (Lake Wendouree)
Gilbert broke through for three senior games in the Ballarat league and kicked 17 goals in 12 games at U19 level last season.
Harry Hawker (Robe)
Hawker played six games for Woodville-West Torrens’ SANFL U18 side back in 2021. A marketplace ad helped lure the young key forward to the club, who hasn’t played footy since a knee injury for Robe in early 2023.
Departures: Leopold will be without a fair few of its premiership players in 2025. Jye Cross and Tom Gordon have retired, Ollie Tate also had retired before signing with Torquay, while intercept king Tevan Nofi (Anglesea) has also joined the Bellarine). Fellow premiership players James Edmonds (Port Fairy) and Jake Pitt (Albury) have also departed. Ex-Geelong VFL key defender Bailey Van De Heuvel will play his footy at Lorne in 2025, while Mitch Howard, Riley Hayden and Nick Lane have crossed to Portarlington.
NEWTOWN & CHILWELL
Last year: 8th
Coach: Steve Johnson (new)
INS: Oscar Murdoch (Geelong Cats), Logan Morey (Yarrawonga), Perry Lewis-Smith (Yarrawonga), Felix Katsoros (Sturt), Mitch Dodos (Kyabram), Ben McGlade (Cobden/GWV Rebels), Charlie Field (Hamilton), Archer Harkness (Torquay)
OUTS: Matt McMahon (retired), Flynn Young, Zach Walter (both Barwon Heads), Joe McDonald, Rhys Devlin (both Ocean Grove), Liam Fiore, Kane Reid (Woorinen), Alex Pocock (travelling).
Key player: Braden Hocking. The intercept king of the competition, taking 32 more marks from the opposition than any other player in 2024.
Young gun: Oscar Murdoch. Back at his junior club after two seasons on Geelong’s list, Murdoch was one of the Eagles’ best players in their round zero clash against St Joseph’s. Sturt U18 best and fairest Felix Katosoros and key forward Mitch Dodos will be other young talents to watch out for in their first seasons at Newtown & Chilwell.
Coach says: “The main focus throughout the off season was not just to try to improve the list, but to try and improve players that we have on the list and to try to develop those players so that they can be senior footballers – not just this season but going forward for Newtown. We don’t put a ceiling on where we can finish. Obviously the goal is to play finals, but we understand we are coming from a little bit further back than some of those top teams.” – Steve Johnson
Addy says: ‘Stevie’ J led Yarrawonga to a premiership and a grand final in his two seasons in the Ovens & Murray, but it is likely to be a different story at Newtown & Chilwell. But after three straight U18s flags, he can help the Eagles break their four-decade premiership drought in time.
PROFILES ON EVERY NEWTOWN & CHILWELL RECRUIT
Oscar Murdoch (Geelong Cats)
Murdoch has returned to his junior club after spending two years on Geelong’s list without playing a game. The 190cm defender averaged 10 touches and four intercepts in the VFL in 2024.
Logan Morey (Yarrawonga)
Steve Johnson managed to bring 29-year-old Morey with him from Yarrawonga, where he played under the former Cats and Giants star in a premiership. Morey has plenty of senior experience and can play in defence or on a wing.
Perry Lewis-Smith (Yarrawonga)
Another Johnson recruit from his former club, Lewis-Smith played for GWS in their first game of the 2025 VFL season. Lewis-Smith dominated in the Ovens and Murray last season, finishing seventh in the league best and fairest with 14 mentions in the best from his 17 matches.
Felix Katsoros (Sturt)
Katsaros was named on Geelong’s VFL list after crossing from Sturt, where he won the Double Blues’ U18 best and fairest and broke in for three reserves appearances. The 193cm key position defender will help bolster the Eagles’ back six.
Mitch Dodos (Kyabram)
A talented 196cm key forward who played 10 Coates Talent League games for the Bendigo Pioneers in 2023, Dodos kicked 19 goals in as many matches last season for Kyabram in the Goulburn Valley league.
Ben McGlade (Cobden/GWV Rebels)
The 190cm defender played in 17 games for the GWV Rebels last season — including their losing grand final — and featured in seven senior games for Cobden.
Charlie Field (Hamilton)
Field joins the Eagles after playing eight senior games for Hamilton Kangaroos as a junior in the last two seasons.
Archer Harkness (Torquay)
A Torquay junior, Harkness was named in the best in six of his 17 games for the Tigers in U18 division one last season.
Departures: Inspirational veteran Matt McMahon announced his retirement at the end of the season. Flynn Young – who turned heads for the Eagles before winning a premiership with Werribee in the VFL – has returned to Barwon Heads, with Zach Walter following him to the Seagulls. Joe McDonald is back at Ocean Grove after a year at the Eagles and Rhys Devlin is another heading to the Grubbers. Former Cats VFL key forward Liam Fiore has returned to Shepparton, promising youngster Kane Reid has signed with Woorinen in the Central Murray league, while Alex Pocock will spend 2025 travelling.
Coaching announcement: After a disappointing season on-field, Newtown & Chilwell secured Geelong great Steve Johnson as its new coach, replacing long-time coach Damien McMahon. Johnson told this masthead he is eager to break their premiership drought, having coached Yarrawonga to two grand finals and a premiership.
NORTH SHORE
Last year: 11th
Coach: Mark Hounslow (new)
Captains: Jacob Sammut and Harry Purcell
INS: Bailey St John (Otway Districts), Ryan Cerny (Horsham Demons), Declan Clarke (Barwon Heads), Rayden Clarke (North Geelong), Luca Mamone (East Geelong), Ethan Huxtable (Lorne), Will Graham, Jordan Turner (Anakie U18s)
OUTS: Nathan Arbon, Mahli King (both WA), Kobe Annand (Central Districts) James Chadwick, Brad Gerrard (Anakie), Jordan Purcell, Josh Widdison (both North Geelong), Aaron Seller, Ryan Westworth (both Bannockburn), Cameron Primmer (Winchelsea), Jake Alsop (Apollo Bay), Levi West (Newtown & Chillwell)
Key player: Jacob Sammut. Shouldered the burden of North Shore’s difficult off-season and a lot will be asked of him on-field, and he will give his all each and every week.
Young gun: Bryce Smith. A North Shore junior, Smith broke through for eight senior games last season and the Seagulls are excited by the skilful youngster’s promise.
Coach says: “When it became a stark reality that maybe the club won’t be around, that it really did wake everyone up and (they) thought, ‘They don’t want their club to die’. – Mark Hounslow
Addy says: North Shore has made it to the start line after a tumultuous off-season. But another significant challenge awaits this proud club on-field with relegation to the Bellarine remaining in the realms of possibility.
Bailey St John (Otway Districts)
North Shore’s first signing of the off-season came to the club after 12 games in the Colac & District league for Otway Districts in 2024, where he was named in the best three times. He has previously played for Henty (Hume FNL) and the Wodonga Saints (Hume FNL).
Ryan Cerny (Horsham Demons)
Cerny didn’t play footy last year but took the field at reserves level for Horsham in his first senior season in 2023.
Departures: Best and fairest Nathan Arbon and playing assistant Mahli King will return to Western Australia next season, while fellow 2023 recruits James Chadwick will also depart. Arbon and King regularly among the best and will be difficult to replace. Star ruckman Kobe Annand will try his hand in the SANFL at Central Districts after finding himself down the pecking order at Werribee. Another five Seagulls have headed to the GDFNL: Brad Gerrard (Anakie), who co-captained in 2024, Jordan Purcell and Josh Widdison (both North Geelong), and Aaron Seller and Ryan Wentworth (both Bannockburn).
Coaching announcement: Former North Geelong coach Mark Hounslow has the task of turning North Shore’s fortunes around. He was an assistant under former Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson at Eastern league 2024 premiers Balwyn.
SOUTH BARWON
Last year: 4th (grand final)
Coach: Mark Neeld
Captain: Matt Caldow
INS: Josh Corbett (Fremantle), Oscar Pollock (Port Fairy), Tyson Funston (St Arnaud), Tyson Funston (St Arnaud), Joel Hogan (North Beach), Nick Stevenson (Warrigul), Jackson Carrick (Hepburn), Dan Richardson (Casterton Sandford), Paddy Bourke (Inverleigh), Leigham Elzinga (Bannockburn), Jaxon Elzinga (Bannockburn), Connor Weideman (Rupunyap/GWV Rebels),
OUTS: Jackson Carmody, Andrew Hutchison, Jake Peters (Ararat)
Key player: Doyle Madigan. The elite-kicking midfielder took out the 2024 Mathieson Medal and earnt himself a spot on Geelong’s VFL list. Should only improve after a pre-season with the Cats.
Young gun: Paddy Kelly. Took the GFNL by storm in his first season and the 19-year-old played the first three games of the season with Geelong VFL.
Coach says: “We know that our squad is developing, we know the majority of them are quite young in their footy career. We are enjoying what we are doing, we enjoy spending time together. When we’re together we are going to work really hard and we’ll see how we go.” – Mark Neeld
Addy says: South Barwon continues to inject emerging players into a list brimming with young talent. And with arguably the best coach in the GFNL at the helm, the Swans are every chance to avenge their two consecutive grand final defeats — especially if Josh Corbett can overcome his injury woes.
PROFILES ON EVERY SOUTH BARWON RECRUIT
Josh Corbett (Fremantle)
In what may be the most crucial signing of the off-season, the Swans landed Corbett, 28, fresh out of the AFL. Corbett retired from the game after undergoing a full hip replacement and told this masthead there would be no timeline on his return. The 41-game Fremantle and Gold Coast forward will also fulfil an assistant coaching role at the club.
Oscar Pollock (Port Fairy)
The 20-year-old medium forward trained with Geelong VFL over the pre-season after kicking 25 goals from 18 games with 11 mentions in the best for Port Fairy in 2024. Pollock also represented the U23 Hampden league side against the Ballarat league last year.
Tyson Funston (St Arnaud)
At 183cm, Funston played 17 games for St Arnaud in the North Central Football League last year in his first season of senior football.
Joel Hogan (North Beach)
Hogan returns to South Barwon after spending the past two years playing with North Beach in the Perth Football League.
Nick Stevenson (Warrigul)
Stevenson last played for Warrigul in 2023 where he spent time in the ruck at 190cm. Signed as a 28-year-old in December, he brings experience to the Swans’ list.
Jackson Carrick (Hepburn)
Carrick is back at the Swans, where he played 12 senior games in 2021-22, after two seasons with Hepburn in the Central Highlands FNL. He kicked 33 goals in 14 games for the Burras.
Dan Richardson (Casterton Sandford)
Played six games for Casterton Sandford in south east South Australia last year. He also made one appearance for the Swans reserves, but he is back full-time this year.
Paddy Bourke (Inverleigh)
Close ties brought Bourke to South Barwon, with his partner playing netball at the club and close friends Taylor Mulraney and Sam James part of the senior football side. Bourke kicked 22 goals in Inverleigh’s premiership year in 2023.
Leigham Elzinga (Bannockburn)
A lively playmaker, Elzinga played eight games for the Geelong Falcons this year and has turned heads in the Geelong & District league over the past two seasons. He was named in the best in five of his eight senior games in 2024.
Jaxon Elzinga (Bannockburn)
Elzinga mirrored his brother Leigham’s 17th year for Bannockburn, earning 11 mentions in the best in 19 matches at senior level. Watch out for Jaxon and Leigham in the future.
Connor Weideman (Rupunyap/GWV Rebels)
The GWV Rebels graduate is a good size at 192cm and played 13 games with five mentions in the best for the Rebels last season, kicking seven goals.
Departures: Jackson Carmody had re-signed but will move to Melbourne instead, with Andrew Hutchinson also heading up the highway. Jake Peters has signed with Ararat.
Coaching changes: South Barwon has an enviable coaching panel under Mark Neeld. Corbett, former GFNL coaches Damian McMahon and Alex Tortora and Newtown & Chilwell U18 premiership coach Kaine Marsh. Former assistant coach Trent Rodgers was appointed as the inaugural coach of Surf Coast in December.
ST ALBANS
Last year: 12th
Coach: Rick Munn (new)
INS: Tom Higgins (Wickham Wolves), Nic Clarke (Clunes), Matt Kasparian (Clunes), Seth Morrell (returning), Jed Warrin (Apollo Bay), Kye Warrin (Apollo Bay), Lucas Gray (Torquay), Angus Evans (Birregurra), Dion Robertson (Modewarre), Marcus Groves (Point Cook), Tyson Roberts (Geelong West), Max Askew (Apollo Bay), Seth Alsop (Leopold), Koby Harris (Point Cook), Sam Cunningham (Point Cook), Blake Hodgson (Grovedale), Blake Dyson (Anglesea)
OUTS: Ben Miller (Koroit), Ethan Guida (St Joseph’s), Riley Somers (Belmont Lions), Jaymz Farrell (Geelong West)
Key player: Fletcher Keck. Led the competition for disposals and rebound 50s last season, but he will be hoping the footy isn’t in their defensive arc as much in 2025.
Young gun: Brock McDonald. Has two full seasons of senior footy under his belt – 2022 and 2024 after his 2023 campaign was wiped out by a knee injury – and can go another level this year.
Coach says: “We’re aspiring to get out of that sort of bottom four clubs and really challenge that middle tier of the table. We don’t want to put any ceiling on the wins, but we just want to get more competitive for longer and stay engaged for longer.” – Rick Munn
Addy says: Don’t be surprised to see St Albans finish higher than both Lara and North Shore in 2025 as their wave of youngsters continue to blossom.
PROFILES ON EVERY ST ALBANS RECRUIT
Tom Higgins (Wickham Wolves)
A good friend and former teammate of Cats sensation Lawson Humphries, Higgins will reunite with him down in Geelong. The 194cm key forward showed his goalkicking prowess with 61 goals in 16 games in the North Pilbara league in 2022 but has been limited by injuries in recent seasons.
Nic Clarke (Clunes)
The 195cm key forward previous played for Newtown & Chilwell and Modewarre before joining Clunes in the Central Highlands league in 2017. He kicked 14 goals in 14 games last season and has also taken on coaching roles alongside new assistant coach Luke Davidson.
Matt Kasparian (Clunes)
Kasparian fills a much-needed role in the ruck and provides great experience. The 29-year-old has won two best and fairests at Clunes, and played alongside dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale at Glenelg U18s. He also took the field for Modewarre from 2022-23.
Seth Morrell (returning)
Morell took the 2024 season off to start a business after an impressive 2023 season where he finished sixth in the Supersaints’ best and fairest. He has been one of the standouts on the track this pre-season.
Jed Warrin (Apollo Bay)
A talented midfielder with senior experience for Shepparton Bears, St Joseph’s (2023) and Apollo Bay (2024), Warrin had nine finishes in the best from 18 games last season. The Supersaints are excited by what he can produce.
Kye Warrin (Apollo Bay)
The brother of Jed, Ky is a versatile swingman who had seven mentions in the best from 18 games for Shepparton Bears in his last full season in 2023. He featured in two games alongside Jed at Apollo Bay last year.
Lucas Gray (Torquay)
A Torquay junior, Gray is a small forward who represented the Falcons at U16 level. He is the brother of current player Miles.
Angus Evans (Birregurra)
Evans is back at the Supersaints after a season with Birregurra in the Colac & District league, where he kicked four goals in 12 games.
Dion Robertson (Modewarre)
Robertson is another recruit with a Clunes link, playing for the club in 2023. He had nine appearances in Modewarre’s reserves last season and played some senior footy for the Warriors before heading to Clunes.
Marcus Groves (Point Cook)
A dynamic 30-year-old small forward, Marcus brings a wealth of experience to the club. Coming from Point Cook, he’s represented the WRFL at interleague level multiple times. Marcus will be reuniting with our senior coach, Rick Munn, with whom he’s shared the field in the past.
Tyson Roberts (Geelong West)
Roberts is part of the Geelong Falcons training squad and returns to the Supersaints after a season with Geelong West U18s.
Max Askew (Apollo Bay)
Askew featured in 16 games for Apollo Bay last season where he kicked nine goals, previously playing two seasons of reserves footy with St Joseph’s.
Seth Alsop (Leopold)
Alsop signed on for two seasons with St Albans after 16 appearances and 14 goals for Leopold’s reserves side in 2023.
Koby Harris (Point Cook)
A powerfully built youngster, Harris broke through for two senior games as a 17-year-old last season for Point Cook. The forward-mid’s strength, versatility and x-factor stand out.
Sam Cunningham (Point Cook)
A defender with elite skills, Cunningham was another to impress for
Sam is a general defender with elite skills by foot. Like Koby, he was instrumental in Point Cook’s Under-18 Grand Final campaign and has proven himself at senior level with 3 games as a 17-year-old.
Blake Hodgson (Grovedale)
The young midfielder impressed at junior level for Grovedale and managed to play five senior games last season along with nine in the reserves. He was named in the best for the Tigers in his senior debut.
Blake Dyson (Anglesea)
Dyson has been on the Supersaints’ radar for the past couple of years, with the tall taking a year off in 2024 and playing just one reserves game in 2023. St Albans see him as a key forward/back-up ruckman.
Departures: A relatively small list compared to their raft of inclusions. Defender Ben Miller is heading back to Koroit, Ethan Guida has joined St Joseph’s, while Riley Somers will call Belmont Lions home in 2025. Jaymz Farrell has returned to his junior club Geelong West after two senior games last season.
Coaching announcement: Rick Munn replaced former coach Alex Tortora in August, signing a three-year deal with St Albans. Munn coached under Garry Hocking at Leopold in 2024. New assistant Dave Hawks joins Munn at the Supersaints from Leopold, working in the Lions’ junior program. Former Leopold reserves gun Jordan Drayton comes on as a forwards coach, former St Joseph’s and Modewarre player Luke Davidson will be a senior assistant coach, while Luke Mulquinney will lead their development squad.
ST JOSEPH’S
Last year: 1st (preliminary final)
Coach: Ron Watt
Captain: Alex Hickey
INS: Mitch Chafer (Grovedale), Keelin Betson (Mooroopna), Ed McCoy (Torquay), Cooper Ward (Barwon Heads), James Hose (Bannockburn), Joseph Chaplin (Perth WAFL/returning), Callum Mitchell (returning), Ethan Guida (St Albans)
OUTS: Olivier Northam (South Adelaide, Ayden Gras (Anglesea), Lochie Hocking (Modewarre), Jay Kirkwood (St Arnaud), Jaiden Reid (Inverleigh), Charlie Hall (Geelong West)
Key player: Jack Buckley. Spent opening round in the reserves but it won’t be long until we see the headband adorning speedster tearing it up in the seniors. The blistering halfback finished equal fifth in the league medal count last year from just 11 games.
Young gun: Liam Kershaw. The tall playmaker was contention for the mid-season draft last year with the Geelong Falcons and is back in the thick of things after a knee injury ended his 2024 campaign. Cooper Ward, Ed McCoy and James Hose are three young recruits to get excited about.
Coach says: “We have retained the majority of our list for season 2025, which was important.
The growth in this group has been pleasing as they have brought their own genuine intent to training. The recruitment of Mitch Chafer, Keelin Betson and Eddy McCoy for specific roles will give us flexibility and strength.” – Ron Watt
Addy says: It might not another undefeated home-and-away season like in 2024, but a grand final appearance should be the expectation for this well-rounded side that added some key pieces over the off-season. However, they may not see much of Paddy De Grandi this year after his eye-catching start the VFL season for Geelong.
PROFILES ON EVERY ST JOSEPH’S RECRUIT
Mitch Chafer (Grovedale)
Chafer has crossed to St Joseph’s, which will make the Joeys’ attacking arc even more dangerous. The former Geelong VFL player booted 27 goals in 10 games for Grovedale last year and should get more supply in 2025.
Keelin Betson (Mooroopna)
Betson joins his brother Liam at the Joeys. The Bendigo Pioneers best and fairest winner in 2016, Betson had a breakout season in the Goulburn Valley league last season, representing their interleague side and receiving 11 mentions in the best from 18 games for Mooroopna.
Ed McCoy (Torquay)
The 2023 Bellarine rookie of the year finished his season with a reserves premiership with the Tigers after suffering a knee injury midway through the season. McCoy will help fill the void of SANFL bound ruckman Olivier Northam.
Cooper Ward (Barwon Heads)
The powerful forward was one of the best performed Falcons last season, booting 27 goals in 16 games – including seven goals, 17 disposals, 14 score involvements and 184 SuperCoach points in one game. Ward also bagged 16 goals in five senior games for Barwon Heads in an exciting sign for the Joeys.
James Hose (Bannockburn)
The 2023 GFNL rookie of the year took his talents to the Falcons in 2024, playing 13 games for the season. His workrate was so highly regarded that a photo of Hose was stuck on the wall as a reminder to others to follow his example.
Joseph Chaplin (Perth WAFL/returning)
A 193cm tall returns to St Joseph’s, where he played in 2023, after a season in the WAFL with Perth. Chaplin. 23, averaged 11 disposals, four marks and kicked 12 goals in 18 games for the Perth last year.
Callum Mitchell (returning)
Mitchell returns to Drew Oval after playing in different surrounds last year for the West London Wildcats. The former Geelong VFL player kicked nine goals in 16 appearances in 2023 for the Joeys.
Ethan Guida (St Albans)
Guida shone for St Albans after joining them mid-season and surely caught the Joeys’ attention in round 12, when he tallied 31 disposals, 18 contested possessions and 151 Premier Data ranking points against them.
Departures: Geelong Falcons graduate Olivier Northam is the only major out after crossing to SAFNL club South Adelaide, following a four-game stint for them late last season. Reserves players Ayden Gras (Anglesea), Lochie Hocking (Modewarre), Jay Kirkwood (St Arnaud), Jaiden Reid (Inverleigh) and Charlie Hall (Geelong West) have all found new homes.
St Mary’s
Last year: 2nd (semi-final)
Coach: Luke Rayner and Ben Boseley (new)
INS: Ryan Pendlebury (Euroa), Charlie Lazzaro (North Melbourne), Paddy Dowling (Geelong Amateur), Bayley Cockerill (Lara), Charlie Lang (Finley), Ben Berry (Cobden)
OUTS: Harry Benson (Palm Beach Currumbin), Sam Dobson (Koroit), Dion Johnstone (Newcomb), Damian McMahon (Barwon Heads), Joe Maishman (Geelong Amateur) Harry Ling (Anglesea), Kade Chalcraft (Shepparton United), Nic Minchin (Murrumbeena), Kane Loftus (Uni Blacks)
Key player: Brayden Ham. The former Essendon playmaker may be required more in the engine room and he oozes class with ball in hand.
Young gun: Keidan Rayner. Showed promise in his 12 senior games last year and is tipped to step up after the departure of several high quality midfielders.
Coach says: “I think the exciting part is that we go in with lower expectations, probably externally and internally, but with a renewed excitement about what the possibilities could be. Noone likes to lose players, but losing the amount we have, but also probably the quality we have, it just provides everyone with a bit of a fresh start and a bit of a fresh outlook.” – Luke Rayner
Addy says: One of the most fascinating watches of this GFNL season. Will the Saints’ exodus lead to a drop-off like Newtown & Chillwell last season? It seems unlikely with plenty of talent coming out of their reserves and U18s sides along with several handy recruits.
PROFILES ON EVERY ST MARY’S RECRUIT
Ryan Pendlebury (Euroa)
The brother of Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury will be taking his years of VFL and local footy experience to St Mary’s. A key defender, Pendlebury has played with Collingwood, Port Melbourne and Werribee and was a playing coach with Euroa in the Goulburn Valley league for the past year while working as an assistant with North Melbourne’s AFLW side.
Charlie Lazzaro (North Melbourne)
The delisted North Melbourne midfielder will spend the season plying his trade for Port Melbourne but St Mary’s, his junior side, is his interchange club.
Paddy Dowling (Geelong Amateur)
Paddy’s back at St Mary’s after a sabbatical in the Bellarine competition with the Ammos. The dangerous forward booted 51 goals in 19 games last season, including a haul of 8.10 against Ocean Grove, and will help fill the void of Sam Dobson.
Bayley Cockerill (Lara)
Cockerill crosses from Lara after a dominant season for the Cats. The prolific midfielder ranked seventh for Premier Data ranking points, third for disposals third for contested possessions, second for clearances and second for inside 50s in 2024.
Charlie Lang (Finley)
A returning junior, Lang won a best and fairest with Murray league grand finalist Finley this year. Lang last played for the Saints in 2018 at U18 level when he won the league best and fairest and helped them to a premiership, also playing 15 senior games with Newtown & Chilwell in 2019.
Ben Berry (Cobden)
A forward-ruck, Berry represented the Hampden league U23 side last year after playing 18 games and kicking 19 goals for Cobden, with seven mentions in the best.
Departures: Where do we start. Dual Mathieson medallist Harry Benson is the biggest blow for the Saints, deciding to take his talents to the QAFL with Palm Beach Curumbin. Key forward Sam Dobson, who bagged 94 goals in just 28 games at the Saints, is off to coach at his local club Koroit. Former Melbourne listed forward Dion Johnstone (Newcomb), Damian McMahon (Barwon Heads), Joe Maishman (Geelong Amateur) and Harry Ling (Anglesea) have all departed to the Bellarine. Former Geelong VFL listed duo Kade Chalcraft (Shepparton United) and Nic Minchin (Murrumbeena) will return to their junior clubs. Kane Loftus has trialled with Collingwood VFL over the summer and has joined University Blacks in the VAFA.
Originally published as GFNL ultimate guide: Recruits and departures from off-season and every club analysed
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